From Bob D Fifteen riders on todays midweek jaunt round the local lanes and a sociable brunch at the Puddledock cafe.I was soon off the back as usual so have nothing much to say about the groups ride as they were soon out of sight up the road.Andy and I rode together as far as Corbetts Tey from where I took the Sunnings lane short cut and arrived at cafe a couple of minutes before the group having ridden about five miles less.I understand most of them averaged over 18mph to this point.The fast pace was maintained on the return trip which ended safely and incident free. After only missing about half a dozen wednesdays in the last seven years this was probably the last time I shall regularly attend.Next week … Read entire article »

From Phil Baker Does anyone commute to Lakeside as the club has had the email below asking for ideas as to how they can develop sustainable travel to the area? Be helpful if you could meet with them but if not if you wanted to detail any suggestions I could meet them or just pass them on. Good Afternoon My name is Keir Smith. I have recently started in post as a sustainable travel coordinator for intu Lakeside. As part of my brief for promoting sustainable travel to the site, I am contacting local bus/cycling groups to get their views/opinions. If possible, it would be great to meet a representative from your group to have a chat about your experience of cycling to Lakeside, cycling conditions in the areas around the site, as well as … Read entire article »

Here’s a great story about two Gateway Cycle Club members, Alan Hale and Peter Watts and their Lands End to John O’Groats cycle ride in aid of Bloodwise, the charity fighting blood cancer. An incredible achievement for a very important cause. If you would like to make a donation,somewhere in the various pages there is a link to a Justgiving page. Huge effort chaps, well done to all involved. https://www.torqfitness.co.uk/news/summary-bloodwise-lejog … Read entire article »

From Bob D. A good mixed bunch out today.After a very fragmented start,all nine eventually arrived at cafe stop,this included one newbie a friend of Alan H.Lively discussions on a variety of current and past affairs proved what an interesting group of people we have in our midst, it never fails to amaze me the amount of knowledge accumulated and dispensed by this articulate bunch of wheelers,there must be something about bike riding that keeps the old brain cells active.The weather was kind to us today and we stayed mainly dry all day in spite of an iffy forecast.With lots of holidays coming up I expect the numbers out will be varying quite a bit for the next few weeks but hopefully there will be enough each week to make for … Read entire article »

Six of us started out this morning with no rain forecast till at least 1pm,With lots of resurfacing completed on the route a fast pace was maintained and arrived at cafe around 11 15,as it was fairly warm decided to sit outside but prudently at a table with an umbrella.Here we were joined by John L and Ivan B,at midday one hour early the rain started and continued for the rest of the afternoon.Having refused an offer from John for a lift in his car the return trip was made in quite a heavy downpour.As well as being extremely uncomfortable by the time we reached Orsett my Gateway jersey had become polka dot from the spray from following the wheels of the guys in front.Surprisingly nobody complained too much and … Read entire article »

From Bob D Gateway CC have supported this event since the the club first formed in 2007,it was deemed a good idea to show a united presence in the hope of promoting local cycling and maybe attracting more members this being the largest cycling event in the local area.I know a good many who usually always support us will be away this year so perhaps some members who would normally do something else on sundays would like to give it a try and support the clubs efforts.For those that dont know all details can be found as usual on line or are as follows.Start 9 for 9-30 at Blackshots leisure centre Grays, entry £10 pre book or pay on day,distances 7, 21,or 42 miles.Looking forward to seeing a good turnout. Bob D. … Read entire article »

From Dave Fish As part of bike week Gateway Cycling is organising a family bike ride to the Thameside Nature Park. Meet up at the Hardie Park cafe at 1.45pm for a 2pm departure. There will be a stop at the visitors centre for refreshments etc. Make yourselves known to the ride leader when you arrive. The route is mainly off road and will be at a very gentle pace.  The ride to the visitors’ centre and back is around 7 miles. Your bike must be roadworthy, please check the bike the day before departure to avoid problems on the day. Please ensure that you have a puncture repair kit, pump and a spare inner tube. We also recommend that you bring along some cash for refreshments and a mobile phone. The club … Read entire article »

From Bob D As some group members have expressed a desire to explore different routes while others still prefer Puddledock as the lunch stop I thought this week as the weather should be fine we would try to accomplish both.Suggested route,Orsett,Bulphan,Doesgate lane,lower Dunton road to A127,cross then bear left up Old Dog hill and on to Herongate.Turn right on A128 for shortish main road stretch then left Up the Avenue to Warley. Cross main road at traffic lights and proceed down Mascalls lane to Brook street turn left and left again UP Nags Head lane proceed to Hall lane and down into Upminster then on to Puddledock.This is about 18 miles and quite hilly compared to usual but nothing to worry about for most of you,total miles for day around 30.Hope … Read entire article »

GATEWAY CYCLING AGM AGENDA Friday 10th May 2019 at 19:30 @ Orsett Churches Centre Note:- All members at the AGM to sign a register of attendance 1. Approve minutes from the 2018 AGM 2. Chairperson report 3. Secretary report 4. Treasurer report and approve the accounts 5. Committee stands down. Floor taken by Jon Lane 6. Election of Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer. Names of proposers and seconders to be noted 7. Other committee members to be elected: – a. Clothing secretary b. Sports secretary c. Leisure secretary d. Minutes secretary e. Webmaster 8. Fix subscriptions for the ensuing year 9. AOB (any points raised prior to the AGM) 10 Meeting closed Please join us after the AGM at the Fox Hound (opposite the church hall) for a free drink. … Read entire article »

I am writing to remind all our members that the Gateway AGM has been scheduled for Friday 10th May at 7:30. The agenda for the AGM will follow the usual format and will include a section where any other business can be discussed. If any member would like to raise a matter in any other business, the committee would be grateful if you could submit details in order that we can include the matter on the agenda. We are having a committee meeting on 15th April when the agenda can be agreed for publication. Finally, a number of the committee have decided to stand down from their roles and we will therefore be looking for volunteers to step into the roles to enable Gateway Cycling to continue successfully for the next year. The members … Read entire article »